Tag: Winter Sports Conditioning in Yakima

There’s snow in the mountains, and many people in Yakima are ready to hit the slopes. But cold weather sports and activities are physically demanding. The best way to avoid injury is to start preparing your body in advance of those activities.

Some common winter sports injuries:
• For skiers, injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee are the most common. We also see lower leg breaks, such as to the tibia, and shoulder injuries – dislocations, separations.
• For snowboarders, statistics show most injuries occur with beginners because of the sport’s complexities. Injuries to the hand, wrist and upper extremities are the most common.

The biggest causes of those injuries:
• Going without rest
• Faulty equipment
• Allowing yourself to get dehydrated or fatigued – the classic “one last run”
• Going into areas that are above and beyond your ability level
• Failing to observe warning signs and going off-trail
• Less likely in our region – an inability to adjust to the altitude

Additional tips to keep in mind
• Buy and wear approved helmets or protective head gear that fits correctly. Wear eye protection.
• Take a lesson from a qualified instructor.
• Wear appropriate clothing in layers to prevent heat loss. Layers closest to the skin should be made with materials that wick moisture away from skin.
• Remember to stay properly hydrated and to eat! Good nutrition equals good fuel.
• Know the signs of frostbite – toes and fingers are susceptible to frostbite if they get wet or sweat a lot.
• Know your limits and stop before you become tired.